In children, finding foreign bodies in their ears, nose and throat is quite common. Sometimes the child doesn’t even remember inserting the foreign body at all. These can range from beads, toy parts, nuts and seeds but the most dangerous foreign objects in the nose and throat are button batteries because they release strong chemicals (alkaline substances) into the moist surrounding tissue, often in less than 1 hour. Button batteries must therefore be removed immediately to avoid serious damage to the sensitive soft tissue linings of the nose and throat.

Sometimes, insects become trapped in children’s (and adults’) ears. The most important point is not to panic, then pour some baby oil or olive oil into the ear to kill the insect. After that, visit the ear nose throat specialist to have it removed safely and to check that the eardrum has not been injured.